Aaron Lennon out of England's squad to face Montenegro and is replaced by Stewart Downing

09 October 2010 02:55

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Stewart Downing has been called into the England squad for their Euro 2012 qualifier with Montenegro after Aaron Lennon was ruled out with a sore back.

The Tottenham winger missed training yesterday after reporting the problem and after further tests this morning, it was decided to release him back to his club for further treatment.

Lennon, who has not played for England since the World Cup, is the second player to leave camp in as many days after Phil Jagielka's withdrawal with a hamstring injury.

One in, one out: Aaron Lennon (left) has been replaced by Stewart Downing

Downing won the last of his 23 caps against Slovakia in March 2009, since whenhis career was put on hold by a foot injury that ruled him out for six months.

The Aston Villa player did make his comeback in time to try to force his way into Fabio Capello's World Cup plans but, after making the squad for England's friendly win over Egypt in March this year, did not even make it into the Italian's 30-man provisional party.

It means Downing will link up with former Middlesbrough team-mate Adam Johnson at international level for the first time, although it is the younger of the pair, now at Manchester City, who is far more likely to start as England look to preserve their 100% record against the surprise Group G leaders.

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